Real Photo Postcards (RPPCs)
Real Photo Postcards (RPPCs) are postcards printed directly from a photographic negative onto photo paper with a postcard back — true silver-gelatin photographs rather than lithographed or printed images. They typically date from the early 1900s onward and often show one-of-a-kind local scenes.
Aerial View of Manhattan
Aerial view of Manhattan from the Empire State Building
eBay · $2.9 · 2024-09
Aerial View of San Francisco
Aerial view of an urban area with the bay and bridge.
eBay · $2.9 · 2024-09
Betsy Ross House Postcard
Image of Betsy Ross House in Philadelphia with banners.
Detroit Photographic Co.
eBay · $0.95 · 2024-05
Billy Sunday's Tabernacle with crowd, Philadelphia PA
Real photo postcard showing a large crowd of people gathered outside Billy Sunday's Tabernacle building in Philadelphia, PA. An oval inset portrait of a man (likely Billy Sunday) appears in the upper left corner.
Message: Have you been to hear billy Sunday this his tabernacle the girls were to hear him they think he is great will write to you soon
C & R
Board of Trade Building Postcard
Photograph of the Board of Trade Building in Boston.
eBay · $2.9 · 2024-09
Boston State House Postcard
The State House in Boston, showcasing a grand architectural view.
Detroit Photographic Co.
Boy with sheep in front of a house, historic photo.
A historic photograph of a boy with sheep in front of a house.
Message: Venice City 4-17-08Do you know one Y. sosmile-
Broad Street Station Postcard
Photograph of Broad Street Station, Philadelphia.
eBay · $2.06 · 2024-10
Bulfinch Building, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
Black and white photograph of the Bulfinch Building at Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, showing the historic domed structure partially obscured by bare trees in winter or early spring.
AGFA ANSCO
Canyon rock formations in grayscale.
A grayscale photograph of rock formations and a canyon view.
Chelsea Fire Aftermath
A historical view of a post-fire scene in Chelsea, Massachusetts.
N. E. Paper & Stationery Co. (Ayer, Mass.)
eBay · $2.66 · 2024-09
Cleveland Municipal Stadium Postcard
Aerial view of Cleveland Municipal Stadium during a game.
Vic Pallos (Glendale, California)
Commonwealth Avenue, Boston
A street view of Commonwealth Avenue in Boston, MA, featuring elegant buildings and tree-lined walkways.
Detroit Photographic Co.
Construction of Oakland Bay Bridge
A black and white photo of the Oakland Bay Bridge under construction.
eBay · $1.06 · 2024-10
Copley Square Postcard
Black and white photo of Copley Square in Boston.
The Metropolitan News Co. (Boston)
Corcoran Gallery Postcard
Corcoran Gallery of Arts, Washington, D.C.
Detroit Photographic Co.
eBay · $2.06 · 2024-10
Covered Bridge in New Sharon
A sepia photograph of a covered bridge in New Sharon, Maine.
Eastern Illustrating Co. (Belfast, ME)
eBay · $1.06 · 2024-10
Crashed airplane on a building site
A vintage photograph of a crashed airplane near a brick building.
Dog sled team leaving Whitehorse Yukon for Atlin BC 1909
Real photo postcard showing a dog sled team in winter snow with a musher riding the sled. A long line of sled dogs is harnessed together on a snowy trail with steep snow banks on one side. A utility pole is visible in the background.
A. J. Park (Seattle, WA)
Durrel's Bridge Postcard
A black and white photo of Durrel's Bridge in Kennebunkport, Maine.
H. W. Ranbin (Kennebunkport, Me. and Plainfield, N.J.)
eBay · $1.06 · 2024-10
Elevated Road, New York
A vintage photograph of Elevated Road and Bowery, New York.
eBay · $2.9 · 2024-09
Entrance to Longfellow's Wayside Inn Garden
A vintage photo of an entrance to a garden at Wayside Inn, Sudbury, Mass.
Artecraft Photo Co. (East Rutherford, N. J.)
eBay · $2.9 · 2024-09
First Church of Christ, Scientist
The First Church of Christ, Scientist in Boston, Massachusetts
The Christian Science Publishing Society
Fleetwings Facility Postcard
Black and white photograph of Fleetwings facility in Bristol, PA.
The Mayrose Co. (New York)
Fort Seward Band Parade on July 4, 1921.
A parade with the Fort Seward Band, featuring flags and participants in uniform.
Friends Meeting House, Newtown
Image of the Friends Meeting House in Newtown, Pennsylvania.
H.H. Manan, Pub.
eBay · $10.13 · 2024-09
George School Gymnasium Postcard
Image of the Gymnasium at George School, Newtown, PA.
Message: Dear Manners, The party was all right. I got it after I had scarcely got out before it was time to eat. The boys did not forget you, ...
A. E. Gritten, Phonograph Album, Philadelphia, Pa. (Philadelphia, PA) PA)
eBay · $5.73 · 2024-09
Ghost Town Historic Hotel Lobby in Curry, Alaska
A historical photograph of the hotel lobby in Curry, Alaska.
Giant tree at Hollow Woods National Monument, California
A person standing next to a giant tree in a forest.
eBay · $0.58 · 2024-05
Golden Gate Bridge Postcard
Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco
Golden Gate Bridge Postcard
A black and white image of the Golden Gate Bridge from the Marin Approach.
eBay · $1.06 · 2024-10
Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco
A photograph of the Golden Gate Bridge with mountainous background.
eBay · $2.08 · 2024-05
Graduate in cap and gown with elegant background
A woman in a graduation gown and cap, standing beside a table.
Message: Uncle Henry, Aunt Jennie and Grace
Grand Canyon from Head of Bright Angel Trail, AZ
Real photo postcard showing a sweeping black-and-white aerial view of the Grand Canyon from the head of Bright Angel Trail, with dramatic canyon formations, cliffs, and shadows, framed by a tree on the left side.
Great Salem Fire Aftermath Postcard
A black-and-white photo of ruins after a fire.
Tichnor Bros., Inc.
eBay · $11.25 · 2024-10
Great Salem Fire Assistance Postcard
A black and white image of people at a fire scene.
Tichnor Bros., Inc. (Boston, Mass.)
Great Salem Fire Ruins
A historical photograph of the ruins following the Great Salem Fire in 1914.
Tichnor Bros., Inc. (Boston, Mass.)
Group gathered around banquet table in hall with pennants
Color tinted real photo postcard showing a group of people gathered around a long banquet or dining table in what appears to be a hall or club room. Men and women are standing around the table, some raising their arms. Flags or pennants are visible on the wall in the background. Caption 'E.T. Choosing.' printed at lower right.
Message: Japan Oct 13/1909. Lone Mill Road. Long handwritten list of names. Hubert Hanner. Lawrence.
Harvard - Harvard's Massachusetts Hall
Image of Massachusetts Hall, oldest building of Harvard.
Detroit Photographic Co.
eBay · $3.19 · 2024-10
Harvard - John Harvard Statue Postcard
A statue of John Harvard at Harvard.
Detroit Photographic Co.
Harvard - Old Pump at Harvard College
Historic photo of the Old Pump at Harvard College.
High School in Newtown, Pennsylvania
A vintage black and white photo of a stone high school building.
Franke Walker
eBay · $14.88 · 2024-09
High School, Lambertville, New Jersey
Black and white (bluish tone) photograph of a multi-story brick high school building surrounded by bare trees, viewed from a slight angle; caption text runs vertically along the left edge of the front.
J. B. Kline & Son (Lambertville, NJ)
Historic Building Postcard
A black and white image of a building
Historic Post Office in Augusta, Maine
Photograph of the post office in Augusta, Maine.
Quimby & North (Augusta, Me.)
Historic Washington Crossing Inn
A vintage postcard depicting the Washington Crossing Inn in Washington Crossing, Pennsylvania.
Eagle Post Card View Co. Inc. (New York)
eBay · $3.19 · 2024-11
Historic church with a tall steeple
A black and white photograph of a church with a tall steeple.
The Mayrose Co. (Linden, NJ)
Historic view of Truckee, California
A historic view of Truckee, California, showing buildings and mountains.
Message: Dear Marie, I have been to some nice places and found the weather very warm—very well gotten, but I can’t write the others much more than this.
Historical Building, Doylestown, Pennsylvania
Real photo postcard of the Historical Building in Doylestown, Pennsylvania. Large multi-story stone or brick building with Gothic/Romanesque details, multiple gables, many windows, turret at top. Text written on image diagonally: 'Historical Bldg Doylestown Pa'.
Historical bridge photograph
A vintage bridge over water, with trees and houses in the background.
Interior of colonial meetinghouse or church with box pews and Palladian window
Black-and-white real photo postcard showing the interior of a historic colonial-era church or meetinghouse. Wide box pews, a central pulpit, chandelier, balcony galleries on sides, and large arched Palladian window above the entrance. No caption on front.
KRUXO
Kids racing go-karts in a vintage street event.
Historical black-and-white photo of children in go-karts at an event.
Lake view with resort hotel, Dixville Notch, NH
Sepia-toned real photo postcard showing a scenic lake view with a large resort hotel or estate visible on a forested hillside across the water. Tall trees frame the foreground. No printed caption on the front.
Message: Saturday Night. Well here I am my destination the Balsams. Our drive for miles on view of Green Mts of Vermont — my White Mts of N.H. Five [?] as grandest scenery. Harry Jarrett
Large crowd of men in formal dress outside stone gated building
Real photo postcard showing a large crowd of men gathered outside a stone building with arched gates and entrance. Men are wearing formal attire with top hats and bowler hats. The scene appears to be some kind of public gathering, procession, or civic event. Industrial structures visible in background.
Largest Redwood Tree trunk, Muir Woods National Monument, California
Real photo postcard showing the base of a massive redwood tree trunk in Muir Woods National Monument, California. The image is in sepia/grayscale tones with handwritten text on the front.
Longfellow House Postcard
A historical black and white photograph of the Longfellow house with a man and woman.
Message: Hello, This is from a cherry tree. Isn't it? It’s the 2d. The trip through the dear valley should give me the rest of the year apparent in the penmanship of the home. It is still a family home and they have and the style is all furnishing. Feeling yours, Mary. John M. Lake 58 Fairview Avenue Stratford, Conn.
H.H. Burrowes Co. (Portland, Maine)
Longfellow's Home in Cambridge, Massachusetts
A historic home known as Longfellow's Home in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Main Building, Girard College Postcard
Colorful image of Main Building at Girard College, Philadelphia.
Message: Phila. Feb. 19, 1903I’m so glad still using the rail-roads-U.G.G.
Detroit Photographic Co.
Man at Yavapai Observation Station, Grand Canyon.
A man at the Yavapai Observation Station overlooks the Grand Canyon in Arizona.
The L.L. Cook Co. (Milwaukee)
Man in horse-drawn buggy in front of brick building
Real photo postcard showing a man in a hat seated in a light two-wheeled horse-drawn buggy/carriage, pulled by a dark horse, parked in front of a brick building. The image is sepia-toned.
Micklegate Bar medieval gatehouse, York England
Sepia-toned real photo postcard of Micklegate Bar, a medieval stone gatehouse in York, England, showing the massive stone towers, battlements, crenellations, and the arched gateway passage. The image is printed sideways (rotated).
Walter Scott (Bradford, England)
Multnomah Lodge and Waterfall Scene
A waterfall view with cars and a lodge in the foreground.
Neely's Bridge covered bridge, New Hope PA 1835
Black and white real photo postcard of Neely's Bridge (a covered wooden bridge) over a stream near New Hope, Pennsylvania. The bridge is seen from the front, showing its wooden plank sides with small windows, stone piers, and surrounding trees. Caption reads 'NEELY'S BRIDGE - 1835 NEW HOPE, PA.'
Hampton Hayes (New Hope, PA)
Neely's Mill, New Hope
Image of Neely's Mill in New Hope, Pennsylvania.
Dexter Press (Pearl River, N.Y.)
Oakland Bay Bridge Postcard
Oakland Bay Bridge view with cityscape
Message: Dear Marlene:I did get to see very much of you when home. I wrote you a long letter, but here it is.Thinking of you and Orange and all that other stuff.Mostly, I miss you. See you soon, I hope. Send me some more photos if you can.Love, Jeff.
eBay · $1.06 · 2024-10
Old Ferry Inn established 1757, Washington Crossing State Park PA
Black-and-white real photograph of the Old Ferry Inn — a large two-story wooden building with a wrap-around porch; sign on building reads 'OLD FERRY INN'; caption area below image.
Pulten Printing Company, Inc.
HipPostcard · $5.97 · 2026-05
Old Stone Wharves in Rockport
A black and white photograph of stone wharves.
Virginia Graves (Little Rockport, Massachusetts)
Old Sturbridge Village Doorway
Doorway of Solomon Richardson House in Old Sturbridge Village.
Old Sturbridge Village (Mass.)
Olvera Street Entrance in Los Angeles with Wooden Cross
A wooden cross with intricate carvings on Olvera Street.
Our Lady of Good Voyage Church
Interior view of Our Lady of Good Voyage Church
Gayheart Card Co. (Danville, Va.)
Parry Mansion in New Hope, PA
A stone mansion surrounded by trees and foliage.
Philadelphia Post Office
Colorful postcard depicting the post office in Philadelphia.
Detroit Photographic Co.
Pilgrim Church Postcard
A photograph of a church in Sac City, Iowa.
Message: Hi there.I hope your cares.Sincerely.Pola M. Larsen.100 S Early St.Sac City, Iowa.
President Hoover's Home, Stanford Campus, Palo Alto
Black-and-white real-photo postcard showing a large ivy-covered Mission Revival / Spanish Colonial style residence set among trees and shrubs, with multiple chimneys and flat roofline elements visible.
Message: Dear [name], [partial] leaving here [?] ... [remainder illegible]
Princeton - Stony Brook Bridge in Princeton, NJ
A photographic postcard depicting Stony Brook Bridge in Princeton, NJ.
Van Marter
eBay · $2.6 · 2024-09
Princeton - University Chapel Postcard
University Chapel at Princeton, showcasing architectural details
Lynn H. Boyer, Jr. Wildwood, N. J.
Public Garden Subway Entrance
Black and white photo of the Public Garden Subway Entrance in Boston with trams and a statue.
The Metropolitan News Co. (Boston)
eBay · $1.59 · 2024-10
Putnam Phalanx military staff group portrait
Group portrait of military staff with flags in a formal setting.
Message: Dear Henry: This postcard is for you. It is from the Phalanx. The man in this is very handsome, I am sorry to say. John is just returning to Sweden.
George E. Wright, Hartford, Conn. (Hartford, Conn.)
San Francisco Bay Bridge Postcard
Aerial view of the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge
J.C. Randell (San Francisco)
San Francisco Cable Car
Postcard of a cable car in San Francisco
Message: Spending our vacation here is having a grand time.Regards,The Lattimers
Smith News Co. (San Francisco, Calif.)
eBay · $0.99 · 2024-05
San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge Postcard
Black and white photo of a bridge
Scenic view of State Park in Washington Crossing, PA
A scenic view of a state park along a river with trees and benches.
Seagulls on rocky outcrop, Gull Island, Salt Lake City
Black-and-white real photo of a rocky outcrop with seagulls perched on top and in flight, stark against a pale sky. The scene appears to be a coastal or lakeside rocky formation.
Avery Shipley Photo (Salt Lake City, Utah)
Soldiers and Horse Cart in Luxembourg, 1918
A historical scene showing soldiers and a cart with a horse in Luxembourg, 1918.
St. Joseph Preparatory School Chapel
Interior of a chapel at St. Joseph Preparatory School
Geyercat Card Co. (Danville, Va.)
State Teachers College - Calvin N. Kendall Hall in Trenton, NJ
Photo of Calvin N. Kendall Hall at State Teachers College, Trenton, NJ.
Message: Hello Folks,Just a line to let you know I'm thinking of you. The time goes by quite fast because we are so busy. Hope you are all well.See you soon.Love, Hajal
Street scene with overhead display of hanging hats
Real photo postcard showing a street scene viewed from below a canopy of hanging hats or bonnets displayed outdoors, likely at a market or hat shop. Buildings and lamp posts are visible in the background. The image is dark and somewhat blurry.
Street view of Juneau, Alaska with mountains
A street view in Juneau, Alaska, with buildings and mountains in the background.
Swan Pond in Central Park
A scenic view of Swan Pond in Central Park, New York, featuring swans and people.
eBay · $1.06 · 2024-10
Trinity Church, Boston
Black and white photo of Trinity Church in Boston, Massachusetts.
The Metropolitan News Co. (Boston)
U.S. Battleship Under Oakland Bay Bridge
Aerial view of U.S. battleship passing under the Oakland Bay Bridge.
Message: I have crossed this bridge. There is 2 boats on it cars above. and Trucks & Buses below. This bridge is 7 miles long.
eBay · $3.43 · 2024-09
UPenn - Aerial view of Franklin Field, UPenn
Aerial view of Franklin Field, UPenn, filled with spectators.
Message: Love from Daddy
K. F. Lutz (Philadelphia, PA)
eBay · $4.71 · 2024-11
UPenn - College Hall, UPenn
Image of College Hall, UPenn, Philadelphia.
Message: Philadelphia, Mar. 22 - I am congratulating you on your birthday. Funny.
Detroit Photographic Co.
eBay · $2.14 · 2024-10
UPenn - Engineering Building, UPenn
Photograph of the Engineering Building at the UPenn.
HOUSTON CLUB, PHILADELPHIA, PA. (Philadelphia)
UPenn - Football game at Franklin Field, UPenn, Philadelphia
Black and white real photo postcard showing a football game in progress at Franklin Field, UPenn, Philadelphia. Large crowd fills the grandstands. Caption at bottom reads 'A Football Game on Franklin Field, UPenn - Philadelphia.'
Message: Daniel letter Spring City to theater Go 12
J. Murray Jordan (Philadelphia, PA)
UPenn - Franklin Field, UPenn
Historic photograph of Franklin Field at the UPenn with a large crowd.
eBay · $1.75 · 2025-03
UPenn - Historic Gymnasium at the UPenn
A historic photograph of the Gymnasium at the UPenn.
E. M. Mosser, Photype, Camden, N. J. (Camden, N. J.)
eBay · $2.13 · 2024-11
UPenn - Historic Houston Club, UPenn
Black and white photo of the Houston Club at the UPenn.
Message: Dear Cousin, not much, just getting ready for school. Wish you would come out and spend a few days with us.
eBay · $0.58 · 2024-10
UPenn - Museum of Science and Art, UPenn
Photographic image of the Museum of Science and Art at the UPenn.
R. Moseley, Prototype, Camden, N.J.
eBay · $4.72 · 2024-09
UPenn - Philadelphia Skyline Postcard
Aerial view of Philadelphia skyline.
K. F. Lutz (Philadelphia, PA)
UPenn - Provost's Tower - UPenn
A photograph of Provost's Tower at the UPenn
Message: Love, Grace
K. F. Lutz (Philadelphia, PA)
eBay · $3.43 · 2024-09
UPenn - UPenn Commencement Procession
Photograph of a commencement procession at the UPenn.
Message: Miss Lethe R. Demmer109 E. Wyoming Ave.Philadelphia, Pa.
E. Cretitus, Phototypes, Camden, N.J. (Camden, N.J.)
eBay · $8.94 · 2024-09
UPenn - UPenn Dormitories
A view of the UPenn dormitories
K. F. Luz (Philadelphia, PA)
eBay · $2.6 · 2024-09
UPenn - UPenn Football Game at Franklin Field
A historical football game scene with a large crowd
eBay · $12.11 · 2026-02
UPenn - UPenn Freshman Bowl Fight group photo
A group photograph of students participating in the Freshman Bowl Fight at the UPenn.
Victorian Building in Winter Snow, Milwaukee, WI
Black-and-white real photo postcard showing a Victorian-style brick building in winter with heavy snow on the ground; bare trees frame the scene and a person appears near the entrance.
Message: Milwaukee Wis 1912
KRUXO
View of Mascoma Lake from the Cut, Enfield, New Hampshire
Black and white real photo postcard showing a wide, calm lake (Mascoma Lake) viewed from a railroad 'cut,' with a straight expanse of water extending into the distance, marshy banks, and distant hills, with railroad tracks visible along the left edge. A caption identifies a Shaker Bridge in the distance.
Message: Dear Stella — will be at your place this afternoon on the train that leaves Enfield at [time]. Mrs. F. Smith
Vintage automobile on a muddy road with a church
A vintage automobile on a muddy road with a church in the background.
eBay · $10 · 2024-10
Wadsworth-Longfellow House
Photograph of the Wadsworth-Longfellow House in Portland, Maine
Maine Historical Society
eBay · $2.05 · 2024-10
Washington Ave. Trolley Streetcar, Newtown, PA
Real photo postcard showing a streetcar (trolley) stopped on Washington Avenue in Newtown, PA, with two men posing in front and early 20th-century storefronts on either side of the tree-lined street.
Wooden trestle bridge over Delaware River at Stockton, NJ
Blue-toned real photo postcard showing a wooden trestle bridge over the Delaware River at Stockton, New Jersey, with water and sky visible.
J. B. Kline & Son (Lambertville, NJ)
Young girl in white dress by window
A young girl stands by a window, wearing a white dress and a large bow.